Say what you want, but I am proud that I grew up hip hop. I'm proud to have owned a Kangol hat. I'm proud to know how to pop lock. And while I'm proud that my favorite music is finally growing up, I cannot help but think of those who have been left behind.

Is it just me or does it seems like some of our favorite rappers are getting old?

This week our favorite VH1 celebrity Flavor Flav turned 50-years-old. Yes, 50. I knew Flav was up there, but I did not realize that the man was that old. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that 50 is old, but when you apply that to a rapper, it really seems like it.

I remember back in 1988 when I was really into rap music. It was all dancing, funny haircuts and mischievous acts. I was 15-years-old at the time. It was ok to wear a high top fade that was two different colors. It was ok to buy clothes based on whether you could dance in them or not. But an amazing thing happened. I grew up.

There's no way I would ever wear a high top fade again. I will, however, more than likely break into pop locking if "Planet Rock" comes on the radio, and that's because I can't help it; it's beyond my control. 

Growing up is not hard to do. It's good to see that LL Cool J gave up the Kangol hat. It's good to see that Hammer gave up the saggy pants. It's even good to see that Kool Moe Dee gave up those god-awful shades. But can someone tell me why Flavor Flav will not let go of the grill? You're a 50-year-old man; grow up already! You are somebody's grandfather!

Who knew that Ice T was such a great actor? Who knew that Master P was such a shrewd businessman? Who knew that Ice Cube was actually the smartest member of NWA. He had me totally fooled. I really thought the guy was an idiot. He has, however, proven to everyone that he's far from it. Am I wrong for wishing that one day we see this well-spoken, intelligent guy on television by the name of William Drayton, formerly Flavor Flav? Yes, I know, maybe I shouldn't hold my breath.

It's cool to see that some rappers are even becoming great TV dads. Take Rev. Run for instance. His show - "Run's House" - spotlights the positive side to parenting in these times. Even Hammer is getting into the reality show arena in an upcoming series that centers around his career and family.

Speaking of MC Hammer, remember when he had a TV show, various product endorsements and a lot of sold out tours? Every other rapper called him a sell out for doing so. Fast forward to the new millennium, it seems like what Hammer did then is the blueprint of what every rapper follows these days. But these days, they don't look at it as selling out; they see it as business, because they grew up as well.

ASK MYRON

Q - "I just read that comedienne and actor Monique has ended her radio show. I didn't even know she had one"

B. Moore, West Memphis, AR

A - Monique has hosted a syndicated radio for the past eight months. The show only aired in a handful of cities; obviously Memphis was not among them. It was reported that she chose not to continue with the program to focus more on her TV, film and comedy career.

Monique, however, has said that ending the show was beyond her control and that her contract was not renewed. She also said her listeners have not heard the last of her on the radio.

(Got an entertainment question? Ask Myron at Myron@myronmays.com.)

(Myron Mays is a freelance columnist and host of "Myron at Midnite" on WRBO Soul Classics 103.5)